10 Best Festivals and Events In Andaman and Nicobar Islands
When you’re on an Andaman tour with us, apart from the famous places to visit in Andaman and the landmarks they have to offer, you also get to see the festivals that the people celebrate there. The festivals and events in Andaman gain a lot of attention from travelers worldwide and that is exactly what we will be talking about in this blog. So, scroll down and check out what all the islands have to offer.
10 Festivals And Events In Andaman Not To Miss
1. Island Tourism Festival
One of the most popular Andaman fairs and festivals, the Island tourism festival is held in January every year in Port Blair. Regarded as one of the best things to do in Port Blair, the festival is the place where you can get to experience each and everything that the island has to offer. From food to the dances and music, you will get to witness each and everything, that will give you a taste of Andaman and the nightlife of Andaman.
Festival Dates: First week of January
Location: Port Blair
Highlights: Cultural exhibition, music and dance activities, food
2. Panguni Uthiram
An eagerly awaited festival by the Tamil community of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Panguni Uthiram pays significance to Lord Murugan, and this event or festival in Andaman is held in March or April. Everyone, in traditional attire carries an idol or Lord Murugan through the streets.
During the festival, various rituals are performed to honor Lord Murugan, making it one of the most loved festivals and events in Andaman and another idea for your day trip ideas in Port Blair.
Festival Dates: March or April
Location: Kali Temple, Port Blair
Highlights: Enchanting atmosphere, traditional music
3. Monsoon Music Festival
An yearly event in Andaman, the Monsoon Music Festival is the time when all music lovers come together and have a blast when singers come to perform on the stage. It features various musicians that present various performances both traditional and contemporary. Bonus tip- This is also one of the best things to do in Port Blair as mentioned in our travel tips for Port Blair.
Festival Dates: July every year
Location: Port Blair
Highlights: Performances of local musicians
4. Beach Festival
Held in November or December, the Beach festival is considered as one of the best festivals and events in Andaman. This festival organizes the best of cultural events, food festivals and adventure sports activities. Some of the most iconic beaches in Andaman hosts these festivals, beaches like Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, and the Kalapathar Beach plays host to this festival.
Festival Dates: November or December
Location: Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Kalapathar Beach
Highlights: Cultural Events, Food Festivals and Adventure Sports Activities
5. Diwali
Who hasn’t heard about Diwali? The same excitement and happiness that people feel can be observed in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands too. During this festival people dress up in the best attires and exchanging sweets takes place. So, if you’re in Andaman then Diwali is one of the best Andaman fairs and festivals to attend.
Festival Dates: 1st November 2024
Highlights: Exchanging of sweets, fireworks, pooja
Suggested Read: Shopping In Port Blair
6. Durga Pooja
The Navratri or the Nava Durga Pooja is a festival is a nine day celebration, where all the nine forms of Durga are celebrated in this festival. The Durga Pooja is held every year during the months of September or October. The idols of all the goddesses and Ganesha and Lord Murugan are worshiped during the festival.
Festival Dates: September or October every year
Highlights: Worshiping of idols, traditional music and dance
7. Subhash Mela
Subhash Mela is an annual festival which is held commemorating the birth of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The festival is celebrated every year on January 23 and includes several activities like cultural events, exhibitions and sports activities. The festival is one of the most popular festivals and events in Andaman which is loved by both residents and tourists alike.
Festival Dates: 23 January
Highlights: Cultural Events, Sports Activities
8. Christmas
When talking about the festivals and events in Andaman, no conversation can be complete without the mention of Christmas. The highlight of Christmas in Andaman is the Christmas Eve, the moment the clock touches midnight, the midnight mass takes place and a beautiful service is attended by the diverse population present in the churches.
Festival Dates: 25 December
Highlights: Christmas Eve, Church Celebration, Midnight Mass
Suggested Read: Best Local Food In Port Blair
9. Holi
Also known as the festival of colors, Holi is one of the top festivals and events in Andaman. The festival is observed on Phalguni Purnima Day which happens every year on a specific day in February or March. Irrespective of religion, gender and age, people of diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate the festival of colors.
Festival Dates: February or March
Highlights: People throwing colors and water at each other, traditional food
10. Ayappa Pooja
Celebrated on either January 14 or 15 according to the Tamil month, Ayappa Pooja is held on the first of the Thai New Year, before the New Year, believers perform 45 to 60 days of rituals. During the Ayappa Pooja, songs about Ayappa are played, and instruments are also used, which results in creating a divine aura.
Festival Dates: January 14 or 15 every year
Highlights: Songs dedicated to Ayappa are sung and played, observed with fasting and chanting.
11. Ramzan
Ramzan in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a significant occasion, celebrated with deep devotion by the local Muslim community. The holy month sees vibrant gatherings at mosques across the islands, with evening prayers and Iftar meals bringing families and communities together.
During this time, the islands come alive with a sense of unity and reflection, as residents observe fasting and engage in charity. Ramzan is one of the key festivals and events in Andaman, highlighting the island’s cultural diversity. Visitors can experience the unique blend of tradition and festivity that characterizes the festivals and events in Andaman.
Festival Dates: Date varies each year
Highlights: Islamic month of fasting
With, this we come to the end of our list of the best festivals and events in Andaman, from the Beach festival to Diwali and Ramzan, the islands observe and celebrate all the festivals which would make your journey here even better.
Are there any special events or festivals that highlight the local cuisine of Andaman?
Yes, the Food Festival, often part of the Island Tourism Festival, highlights Andaman’s local cuisine, offering visitors a chance to savor unique island flavors and culinary traditions.
Is Durga Puja a significant event in the Andaman Islands?
Yes, Durga Puja is a significant event in the Andaman Islands, especially among the Bengali community. The festival features grand celebrations, with beautifully decorated pandals and cultural performances.
How do the locals celebrate Diwali in the Andaman Islands?
Locals celebrate Diwali in the Andaman Islands with traditional fervor, lighting oil lamps, bursting crackers, decorating homes with rangoli, and sharing sweets, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere.
When is the Island Tourism Festival held in Andaman?
The Island Tourism Festival in Andaman is typically held in January, showcasing the rich culture, traditions, and natural beauty of the islands through various events, performances, and exhibitions.
